Page:Report from the Select Committee on Steam Carriages.pdf/81



Mr. Walter Henrick. 5 August, 1831. you travel, more disadvantageous than others to the progress of your Carriage? Yes.

Which do you find the most disadvantageous?—When the roads are between wet and dry.

In going down a hill, are you obliged to lock your wheel in any way?—Yes, if it is much down hill, it depends upon its inclination.

What is the nature of the provision for locking the wheel?—A metallic band bearing upon the outer part of the wheel.

What are the fares that you take, higher or lower than ordinary stages?—They are the same fares as the stage fares, eight-pence from Bow, and nine-pence from Stratford.

How much is that a mile?-Barely two-pence a mile.

In what proportion to what is charged by stage coaches do you think you should be able to charge your fares?—I think the fares would be reduced to two thirds, after a short time, if supported and not over burdened by tolls.

Should you be able to continue running if the fares were reduced to two-thirds?—Yes.

In your present state of knowledge upon this subject, in what proportion do you think the rate of travelling would be diminished?—In the proportion I have stated of two-thirds.

Is it your opinion, that generally speaking, it would be reduced two-thirds?—Not in the outset, but after the thing has had full play.

Have any calculation of the expence of running a coach drawn by four horses, carrying a certain number of passengers, and that of running with your Carriages at the same velocity?—I have endeavoured several times, but I have never been able to get an accurate account of the power and other expences incurred in driving a long stage; but I reckon my own expences will cost from three to four pounds a day, including all expences attached to the coach, wages for engineer, steersman, fuel, oil, &c.

What expence is it a mile upon your coach?—I have taken the one hundred miles, and included the day's expences.